Microsoft has released a launch trailer for Killer Instinct: Season 2, the start of a new raft of features and DLC characters for the Xbox One exclusive fighting game.

As with Season 1, players can download the full game for free and play a free rotating character each week. As soon as you start it up, you can play all game modes, even online multiplayer matches against the entire Killer Instinct community, with the free character. If you already have Killer Instinct: Season 1 downloaded, you’re ahead of the game and the Season 2 feature updates will download to your profile automatically.

Improvements to Killer Instinct: Season 2 make it easier for new players to challenge opponents and customize their characters, but that classic experience is still intact – mastering the whole lineup of combos is a challenging task that takes time and practice. Take advantage of the acclaimed Dojo mode to master the secrets of combat.

A detailed post over on the official Xbox newswire describes interface improvements, and gameplay changes that include new and rebalanced moves, an enhanced combo system and a new progression system.

A total of eight new characters are expected to launch on a monthly basis, starting with the return of original Killer Instinct fighter TJ Combo, who will be joined by at least two other familiar faces from the SNES era in the coming months with "the cybernetic dinosaur Riptor and the blazing human effigy Cinder".

Along with the returning classics, all-new characters are coming to Killer Instinct: Season 2, including an ancient Babylonian sorcerer, an avenging ghost, a battle-hardened war golem, and more.

Season 2 official kicks off on October 15th US time, so Australian Xbox One owners should presumably see the update available on Xbox Live tomorrow morning.